City of Philadelphia - File #: 120797

• File #: 120797
• Version: 0
• Type: Bill
• Status: LAPSED
• File created: 10/11/2012
• In control: Committee on Technology and Information Services
• Title: Amending Title 21 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Miscellaneous," by requiring that all City of Philadelphia websites can be used with, and all online interactions and transactions with the City can be performed on, multiple widely-used internet browsers; that such websites, interactions, and transactions be optimized for use with these browsers; and that the City report on the implementation of these changes; all under certain terms and conditions.
• Sponsors: Councilmember Green, Councilmember Tasco, Councilmember Goode, Councilmember Johnson, Councilmember Jones, Councilmember Greenlee, Councilmember Blackwell, Councilmember Oh, Councilmember O'Brien, Councilmember O'Neill, Councilmember Kenney, Councilmember Squilla, Councilmember Quiñones Sánchez, Councilmember Bass, Councilmember Henon, Councilmember Reynolds Brown
• Indexes: INFORMATON TECHNOLOGY
• Code sections: Title 21 - MISCELLANEOUS

Date	Ver.	Action By	Action	Result	Tally
10/11/2012	0	CITY COUNCIL	Introduced and Referred	Pass

Title
Amending Title 21 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Miscellaneous," by requiring that all City of Philadelphia websites can be used with, and all online interactions and transactions with the City can be performed on, multiple widely-used internet browsers; that such websites, interactions, and transactions be optimized for use with these browsers; and that the City report on the implementation of these changes; all under certain terms and conditions.

Body
WHEREAS, When accessing the internet, the public may use any one of several widely available and popular internet browsers including Internet Explorer, Firefox, Chrome, and Safari; and

WHEREAS, Internet browser use is divided between these and other browser options, with usage share varying over time, including in response to technological advancements enabling new tools and capabilities; and

WHEREAS, No one browser or type of browser technology commands a large enough market share to justify an entity relying on a single browser for its internet presence; and

WHEREAS, Recognizing this diversity of use and continuing evolution, other cities, including Boston, Washington, D.C., New York City, and San Francisco, optimize their websites and online functions for use with a variety of popular, widely-available internet browsers; and

WHEREAS, By contrast, the websites for certain City of Philadelphia departments function on only one internet browser, Internet Explorer; furthermore, certain interactions and transactions with the City may only be performed using that single browser; and

WHEREAS, As a result, citizens and vendors who seek to conduct business or undertake certain transactions with the City of Philadelphia on other popular, widely-available internet browsers are often delayed in or prevented from doing so; and

WHEREAS, By requiring the use of outdated and sub-optimal technology for specific functions - inclu...